Police Chief Shane Denham, his voice breaking, told a crowd that the day Sollohub was shot was the "worst day of my professional career." But the days after saw an unthinkable rallying of the community, he said.

Denham and others described Sollohub as a charismatic man with a magnetic personality. During the ceremony, a photograph of him was projected - in cowboy hat and camouflage pants, repelling with a grin on his face.

Mayor Vaughn Stewart, a former municipal judge, called Sollohub "a cop's cop" who enjoyed coaching children and serving senior citizens, possessing a spirit he shared with others.

"May his legacy continue," Stewart said.

The dedication was also a celebration of the new 57,500 square foot building, which Denham called "an icon for the community." It replaced the 18,800 square foot building constructed in 1956 that had persistent sewage leaks through the roof.

Former Police Chiefs John Dryden and Layton McGrady said the process of building a new headquarters started 15 years ago, and needed help from various people around the city to get going.